India is taking a major step toward defence self-reliance by moving forward with plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 air defence system. This initiative, backed by the Ministry of Defence, will see an Indian company partnering with Russia's Almaz-Antey—the original manufacturer of the S-400—to set up the facility on Indian soil.
The decision to localize S-400 maintenance comes after the system’s pivotal role in recent military operations, including Operation Sindoor in May 2025. During this operation, the S-400 was credited with intercepting and neutralizing multiple drones and missiles targeting over 15 Indian cities, demonstrating its critical value in India’s air defence network.
India currently operates three S-400 squadrons (locally named ‘Sudarshan Chakra’), with two more scheduled for delivery by 2026-27 under the $5.43 billion deal signed with Russia in 2018. The move to establish an MRO facility was accelerated by the operational demands and lessons learned during these high-intensity scenarios, as well as ongoing supply chain disruptions due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The establishment of the S-400 MRO facility is a significant boost to the ‘Make in India’ and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives. It will:
Enhance India’s ability to maintain and upgrade sophisticated defence technology independently.
Mitigate risks from international sanctions and supply chain disruptions.
Support the broader modernization of India’s defence infrastructure, alongside other efforts such as indigenous upgrades to the BrahMos missile and integration with platforms like the Tejas fighter aircraft.
The Ministry of Defence’s selection of the Indian partner involved rigorous security clearances and capability assessments. Rules of Engagement have been drafted to ensure the facility operates within robust security and operational frameworks.
With the S-400’s proven track record in defending Indian airspace and the ongoing delivery of additional squadrons, the new MRO facility will be central to maintaining high operational availability and combat readiness. India is also considering the procurement of additional S-400 systems in the future, underscoring the system’s strategic importance.
